On Day 1 of free movement in Manipur, violent clashes, stone pelting, and a death

The clash in which Singsit died took place in Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi district between Kuki-Zo residents there and security forces escorting a bus that had left Imphal Saturday morning and was heading for Naga-majority Senapati via Kangpokpi.

Large crowds also clashed with security forces in Gamgiphai, the entry point into Kangpokpi from the Meitei-majority Imphal West district, earlier in the day. A senior police officer of the district confirmed that Singsit had been shot by a bullet.

Kuki protesters during a road blockade on day one of their Manipur Free Movement. (PTI Photo)

In a security review meeting on March 2, Shah had directed security forces to enable free movement of people on all roads in the state from March 8 in an attempt to ensure that Meiteis are able to pass through the hill areas of the state and that Kuki-Zos can come to Imphal valley.

Through the course of the conflict, members of either community have not been able to safely venture into each other’s areas. In line with this, the Manipur chief secretary notified that the government would arrange for buses under security escort travelling from Imphal to Senapati via Kangpokpi and vice versa, and from Imphal to Churachandpur via Bishnupur and vice versa, starting Saturday.

At around 11 am, the chief secretary flagged off two Manipur State Transport buses from Imphal Airport.

While a bus from Imphal to Churachandpur completed the route without incident, and without any passengers, the bus travelling through Kangpokpi was met by large crowds of protestors at Gamgiphai Saturday morning. Groups based in Kangpokpi had earlier voiced their opposition to the movement of vehicles carrying Meiteis into their district, stating that they would not allow free movement until their political demand for separate administration is addressed.

In an official statement, Manipur Police stated that several security personnel were also injured in the clash at Keithelmanbi. “Amidst the protest, there were incidents of firing from amongst the protestors towards the security forces, in which the security forces retaliated”.

“Due to heavy pelting of stones, use of catapults and random firing by armed miscreants from amongst the protestors, 27 (twenty -seven) numbers of security forces personnel suffered injury including 02 SF personnel who are critically injured. The security forces showed tremendous restraint while trying to control the unruly and violent mob and used minimum force to control and counter the anti-social elements, including the firing by armed miscreants from among the protestors. During the skirmish, 16 (sixteen) protestors were reportedly injured and 01 (one) protestor succumbed to injury. 02 (two) vehicles of the security forces were also burnt by the protesters,” read the statement.

After dispersing the crowd, the bus continued to travel forward but could not move forward past Keithelmanbi, around 5 km ahead of the Kangpokpi district headquarters. In visuals from the area, it can be seen that protesters have placed rocks on the highway and burned tyres to block it.

As protesters clashed with security forces again in Keithelmanbi, the situation escalated. “A BSF vehicle was set ablaze by the crowd and the security forces retaliated with the force,” said a security official.

Kuki-Zo Council, an organisation representing Kuki-Zo interests, accused the security forces of excesses.

Earlier in the morning, security forces had foiled the proposed “March to Hills” rally organised by the Federations Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), a Meitei group. Led by FOCS president Manihar, a large number of vehicles, some bearing banners, had gathered in front of D M College of Science, Imphal, to proceed towards Senapati district. Similarly, a rally proceeding towards Churachandpur was also stopped by the security forces in Bishnupur district.

“Our rally is to spread the message of peace, not to provoke the Kuki-Zo community. Why are the security not allowing us,” Manihar asked. A senior police officer, however, clarified that authorities did not object to FOCS visit to Senapati. “We requested that the FOCS members can join the convoy as a passenger of the bus instead of organising a private rally with banners,” this officer said.

“The Kuki-Zo Council has expressed strong condemnation of this decision of the government to impose ‘free movement’, as the government was fully aware of the potential for violence if such a decision is put into action…The Kuki-Zo Council firmly emphasises that while the idea of peace is indeed welcomed by all, it cannot be achieved through the imposition of force at the expense of a particular community… Forcing peace upon unwilling parties can lead to resentment and further conflict, undermining the very goal of harmony. A sustainable peace must be fostered through careful consideration of the interest and aspiration of the affected community. Therefore, it is crucial for the central government to address the underlying issues to prevent further unrest and protect public safety. The Kuki-Zo Council urges the government to reconsider its stance to avoid further escalation of tension and violent confrontation,” it said in a statement.

It also announced an “indefinite shutdown” across all Kuki-Zo areas and stated its opposition to the initiative for free movement.